Batman: Gritos en la noche

Batman

by Archie Goodwin

En los albores de su cruzada contra el crimen, el Hombre Murciélago investiga una serie de asesinatos cuya brutalidad ha alarmado a los ciudadanos de Gotham City. Atípico caso en manos de un James Gordon recién nombrado comisario del Departamento de Policía, que tendrá que lidiar con la responsabilidad inherente a su nuevo cargo... y con la dificultad de superar traumas del pasado. En 1992, Archie Goodwin ( Black and White) y Scott Hampton (Lucifer) crearon Gritos en la noche, aclamada novela gráfica que no solo sorprendió por su estilo pictórico, sino también por la cruda reflexión que plantea sobre los efectos de la exposición a la violencia.

Genres: Comics, Batman, Graphic Novels, Dc Comics, Comic Book, Superheroes, Fiction

96 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Archie Goodwin was an American comic book writer, editor, and artist. He worked on a number of comic strips in addition to comic books, and is best known for his Warren and Marvel Comics work. For Warren he was chief writer and editor of landmark horror anthology titles Creepy and Eerie, and for Marvel he set up the creator-owned Epic Comics as well as adapting Star Wars into both comics and newspaper strips. He is regularly cited as the "best-loved comic book editor, ever."

Reviews

[A.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In the night, he listens. ‘Two million cases. Two thousand deaths. Too many cries. Someone else has to hear them.’ In the night, he listens. And only the sound of his own voice comes to him, screaming in frustration. The cry of a lone bat. Unable to find its way.”

Holy fucking bajeezus this was so dark. I confess I only read this because the new Batman movie just came out, and this hardcover was 75% off at my LCS, but I’m glad I did. I’ve heard it was a depressing story, but man oh man this was more than that, as it felt almost real. We usually see Batman go up against some larger-than-life plan at the hands of a flamboyant villain that only can exist in fiction. Not in this one though.

Batman: Night Cries sees Batman & Commissioner Gordon investigating a series of murders, when they notice that all of them have a common trend among the victims: They are all child abusers. And Batman is quickly pinned as the enraged vigilante that is going after these parents. The two must then go on a quest to clear Batman’s name, during which Gordon must also come to terms with, and break, the cycle of abuse that is present in his own life. But as they desperately try to find this killer, they slowly realize just how difficult it is to break a vicious cycle of crimes that occurs in the privacy of peoples own homes.

I don’t really want to spoil anything else, as this a story that you will just have to read for yourself to decide whether or not it works for you. I personally think it does a great job highlighting real-world issues, but that will be a mileage-will-vary kind of thing. The ending is a hell of gut-punch though, and I thought the Gordon subplot was unbelievably effective storytelling. The painted art by Scott Hampton is unreal as well, looking even better in this magazine sized hardcover. It adds a grimey layer to the story, and elevates the script beyond what it would have been if it had just been pencilled normally.

Check out Batman Night Cries if you are a fan of Batman at all, as it is one of the darkest, but best stories I’ve ever read involving this character. It’s very dark and takes itself very seriously (which I’m usually not a fan of), but it totally works for this book.

[Diz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very dark read on a very dark topic--child abuse. If you are looking for a comic that addresses a serious topic, this is something that would fit that bill. However, if you wanted to read a fun Batman adventure, this is not it. As for how the book handles the topic, it is a bit too on-the-nose in a way that feels like the writer is lecturing the readers about why child abuse is bad. I'm pretty sure that most readers understand this, so the topic could have been handled more subtly.

[Molly™☺ · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want a nice read that will give you some escapism from the atrocities of the real world, this certainly isn't for you. Goodwin isn't afraid to attempt to tackle some extremely dark topics in a very raw and rather graphic manner. Parts of it work, especially the art style which adds a certain nuance to the storytelling. Unfortunately, the prose and dialogue can feel tediously long at times. It takes itself very seriously, adding in statistics and facts for the sake of educating the reader (?), often marring good story telling as a result. Not one that I'd consider a must read when it comes to Batman's extensive library, it has its moments and is something to be considered when looking to add to a 'TBR' list.

TRIGGERS: child abuse, suicide, graphic violence + more

[Lashaan Balasingam · Rating 4 out of 5]

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You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.

There are crimes occurring far too often around the world that remain hidden from the public until it’s too late. These terrible sins bring forth a terrifying reality that we are sometimes simply unable to process, some refusing to accept that it exists when humanity that tries to strive for happiness and peace. While efforts can be multiplied and prioritized to prevent these crimes, it remains a difficult crime to denounce and a touchy subject that is still confronted with communication barriers among people. Teamed up with artist Scott Hampton, writer Archie Goodwin thus looks to explore the real world crime of child abuse as Batman and Commissioner Gordon seek to demystify a series of murders shocking citizens of Gotham City.

What is Batman: Night Cries about? As Batman and Commissioner James Gordon investigate cases regarding drug pushers, gathered clues lead them to establish a common denominator that revolves around a series of murders implicating instances of child abuse with the death of the children’s parents. When they both set their minds to unraveling this mystery, Batman finds himself accused of being the disturbed and unhinged vigilante behind these murders with only a little girl out there to clear his name, while Commissioner Gordon relives his own troubled past as he desperately tries to come to terms with his own abuse as a child. Despite everything, it is up to these two to elucidate this mystery and break a vicious cycle of unforgivable crimes.

This turned out to be a wonderful surprise in terms of originality. The story invites readers on an eye-opening journey into a world of crimes where premonition would have been the only way to stop these crimes from occurring. How writer Archie Goodwin ties it together with Commissioner James Gordon’s conflictual family context also makes for an interesting angle that offers readers the chance to understand the readily accessible coping mechanisms we effortlessly embrace when facing traumatic events and the regretful easiness with which some of us find ourselves stuck in a cycle of violence perpetuated by our own traumas. The story also evolves in a way that allows both Batman and Gordon to reflect on this issue and handle it with the necessary sensitivity that you would otherwise see overlooked in these characters who often have to confront psychopathic villains with more resilience, coldness, and force.

Artist Scott Hampton also brings into play a unique layer of abstraction and morbidness with his artistic vision, consisting of a style entirely painted with detailed and expressive strokes. Focused mostly on drowning the story in darkness, expertly utilizing shadows to plunge the narrative into an appropriate and sinister atmosphere, it conveys a certain sense of urgency and tragedy that is difficult to achieve otherwise. He also does an impressive job in capturing emotion in his characters, rarely missing the mark despite the awkwardness of doing so with paint, while also utilizing brighter colours to express gentler moments, kinder faces, and pure innocence. All in all, his artwork is impressive and remained complimentary to the haunting narrative in this graphic novel.

Batman: Night Cries is a visually striking yet narratively-saddening tale exploring the devastating reality of child abuse through the eyes of the Dark Knight and Commissioner James Gordon.

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the book to complete my reading challenge of the year. 450 books/graphic novels/comics/manga down! Surprised did this being my first year with my daughter but here we are.

So Batman and James have to team up to hunt down a serial killer. It sounds simple enough and we've seen it a million times in Batman titles. But this serial killer is hunting and murdering people who've touched, hurt, molested children. This makes it question if stopping him worth it based on the disgusting behaviors of the victims of the killer.

What I really enjoyed here was getting the mindset of both Bruce and James. Both feel defeated on their pursuit but you only see that when they're alone or in their mind. Outside you would never expect it as they both put on brave faces in their own way. I loved the family dynamic and watching Gordon deal with both his child and his wife was perfect.

The ending result felt a little predictable but the emotion ran high whenever Batman or James had to talk to the victims of the sexual abuse. Seeing some still confused of why their parent was killed while others couldn't even talk anymore.

I think this title did the subject matter very tasteful and it being less than 100 pages really made it tightly paced and well created. I hope to see more serious subject matters from time to time enter our superhero world. A 4 out of 5.

[Lost Planet Airman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning in art and writing. Story told of Police Commissioner James Gordon and Batman, and Batman and Bruce Wayne, near the beginning years of the Batman's career. Signs of a possible serial killer -- and a particularly nasty one -- appear at the same time a new drug shows up on the streets of Gotham. As Batman and the GCPD investigate, accusations arise that Batman isperpetrating the killings.

Fits chronologically between Batman: The Long Halloween and Batman: Dark Victory

Submitted as Seasonal Reading Challenge Winter 2017 (-slash-2018) Task 5.10: a book of my choice Message (686)/718: Dec 28, 2017 09:17PM

[Katherine (Kat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 Stars

Woah, this was a great one, and in my opinion an important subject. Once again went in expecting nothing, and knowing nothing about Batman: Night Cries.

This is a horrifyingly dark topic to write about and do a good job. As a child who started being abused by the age of 2, was abused by their father and also had to witness him physically and mentally abusing my mother my whole life. So, this story just felt relatable a lot of times. The girl who was non-verbal at one point even had the same name as me, how ironic (lol).

I wasn't a fan of the dark muddiness of the art at times, but after finishing the book I understand it was definitely needed for the type of mood felt while reading this.

[Jedi JC Daquis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Batman Night Cries is more of a social revelation of the secret horrors happening in families than a Batman story. Often a core element in a Batman story, the detective work here merely serves as a plot advancing mechanism rather than a core frontrunner. The story builds up to a truth that hits you hard at the homestrech and ends on a sad note.

Batman is able to bring down even the gods of fiction. He can easily take down mafias and regular crimes on the streets of Gotham. But in Night Cries, Batman painfully recognizes the sad fact that eradicating child abuse, a silent and real villain, is an insurmountable task. It is the monster that even him and Commissioner Gordon cannot escape from.

The Dark Knight is the perfect comicbook hero to craft the story with. He works in the street at night, he's human and grounded. The dark and and horrifying truth flawlessly blends with his tragic past. Thus the result is an effective delivery of message which does not feel contrived.

Illustrator Scott Hampton's style gives the book an authentic darkness and a tragic feel. The emotions and innocence of the abused are captured spot-on, with some panels really hard to stomach.

For most parts, writer Archie Goodwin's writing is good. The pacing is right, allowing tension and mystery to be felt by the readers. He writes a shitty world that even Bats could not clean himself. His style though is a bit clunky. I have to backread some pages just to know whose character narration I am currently reading. Some of the dialogues also felt unnatural.

Although Night Cries is not one of Batman's best stories, this one has to be in every Batman reader's library for its social relevance.

[Dr Rashmit Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's easy to create and read a comics about a masked vigilante fighting crime with his fists and mental faculties, it's much difficult to write and read a comics about real world problems that can never be dealt with by masked vigilante, fists , or mental faculties .

Night cries , for me reads as one of the most important book , that deals with a dark and real world subject matter and in between it manages to hook the readers with a mystery.

The art style is unorthodox, and for me the only real deal breaker for the book, but the plot and the theme presented are important and really intense.

I'd say, this is a definite MUST READ ! So that you read and you also hear the night cries that go unheard

[Tracy Poff · Rating 5 out of 5]

There have been a number of very violent murders in Gotham--whole families killed. At first, Batman suspects that it is related to a new drug, but as he continues to investigate, the facts don't line up. It appears that, in each case, the adults had committed some crime against children. Batman revises his theory: there is a new serial killer in Gotham, a serial killer motivated by the need for revenge against child abusers. As Commissioner Gordon and Batman seek out the killer, each must deal with his own demons. Batman remembers the night his parents were killed, and must reconcile his own actions, in many ways so like those of the serial killer. Jim is troubled by memories of his own abusive father, and is horrified to see that he may be starting down that road, himself.

For all the violence, this graphic novel has a very subdued feeling, which is reinforced by the dark palette common in Batman stories. At about a hundred pages, Night Cries tells a tightly connected, effective story. The thematic connection between Batman's drug investigation, during which he repeatedly explains that these investigations involve following a chain of people to find the source, and the child abuse investigation, during which it is explained that the abused often become abusers themselves, perpetuating a cycle of violence, is very well done. Too, Jim's struggle, developed over the course of the book, with his own anger, and with his relationship with his wife and son, is a very strong point. This book is set fairly early in Batman's career, and the effects of Jim's infidelity during Year One are still being felt.

Batman's experience follows a similar arc. During one part of the investigation, a traumatized young girl, who may have witnessed one of the murders, spots Batman through a window, and is terrified. As Batman says: "The trouble with an appearance that can strike fear in the minds of criminals--is that it sometimes strikes fear in the innocent as well." The girl may have important information, and Batman regrets frightening her, so he visits her in the hospital, to make amends: "I'm sorry. I don't want to frighten you. I did that once when you saw me through the window at your home. I know I look scary and there have been too many scary things in your life. So I want you to see--" here, he removes his mask, "--I'm just a man, a man who's trying to help." The scene is really touching. Sometimes, Batman seems far from being concerned with the people around him--those he's fighting, or those he's saving--but Goodwin's Batman shows a kind of empathy that Batman must have, if he's more than just a reflection of the violent psychopaths he fights.

This is definitely one of the best Batman stories I've ever read. Its focus on the human impact of the crime in Gotham, and on its particular impact on Jim and Batman, is very welcome, especially coming, as I am, from reading a bunch of Golden Age stories. Comics have come a long way, and this is a great example of a comic that tackles a meaningful issue in a sensitive way. I strongly recommend it.

[Michael Emond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a great Batman story from start to finish with some hauntingly beautiful art by Scott Hampton.
There is a good mystery here that gradually unfolds and while the lack of characters to choose form makes the reveal a little predictable it is still told in such a way that it makes for a nice surprise.
I also love the parallel story with Jim Gordon and his struggle to avoid the cycle of abuse that he was raised on. That elevates this story beyond a simple story and justifies the 90+ page length.
Overall - loved it.

[DB · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I could split the ratings into artwork and story, I'd give Archie only a star or two and Scott the full five. The artwork is amazing. It's just unfortunate that it gets wasted on a story that doesn't do its subject matter justice. I'm still waiting for a prestige format graphic novel that takes on a tough issue without turning it into an after-school special or jumping the shark for grittiness' sake. Night Cries does both.

[Vinicius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eu posterguei para comprar e ler esse encadernado, porque eu achei estranho ter menos de 100 páginas e ser lançado pela panini com capa dura após anos dessa história fora de catálogo. Além disso, eu acho bonito, mas não sou tão fã de artes mais realistas, como os traços dessa história.

Logo, por todos esses fatores que me fizeram adiar a leitura, admito que errei fui moleque. Que baita história do Homem Morcego, conforme eu fui lendo, eu percebi todo o valor dela.

É importante destacar que a história é pesada. O Batman e o Gordon precisam lidar com uma série de assassinatos brutais, que ao investigarem mais, descobrem que além disso há crimes de abusos infantis. Assim, todo o clima da história que já é sombrio, fica ainda mais pesado.

Conforme a investigação se desenrola, o leitor vai acompanhando e ficando instigado com todos os fatos, querendo descobrir logo tudo que está acontecendo, e a história não te entrega tudo de cara. Apenas no final que os elementos necessários para concluir o caso vem a tona e é tudo muito bem encaixado, sendo que ainda há uma ação muito bonita do Batman com uma garota.

Além de toda trama principal, o enredo se passa no começo de carreira do Batman, bem próximo a Ano Um. Por isso, temos menções as ações do Gordon em Ano Um, e o Batman sinalizando muito que suas ações são realizadas trabalhando o medo que ele pode instigar nos bandidos.

Outro fator que gostei bastante, foi entender o significado do título do encadernado, gritos da noite, com as referências dentro da trama. Não são apenas os gritos das crianças, mas também os gritos a partir do viés do "vilão", do fisioterapeuta, do Batman e do Gordon.

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

Horrible el arte

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's hard to give this graphic novel a decent rating. The art style is beautiful, and perfect for the subject matter of the graphic novel. I actually felt compelled to study the artwork deeply at many points, which doesn't always happen for me. At the same time, the plot felt very contrived. While child abuse is certainly an acceptable topic for Batman, at the same time the inclusion of so many facts and statistics ultimately made the work a little preachy and thus lose some of its impact. A respectable Batman graphic novel, but not the best I've ever read.

[Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This deserves five stars for the artwork alone, it’s stunning, eerie and creates an unsettling atmosphere. The story is dark and heavy, it’s not your usual superhero tale, it involves child abuse and the cycle of harm that it creates. It can be hard to read at times but it deals with something that needs more awareness. It's emotional and uneasy reading but a book that I'd highly recommend and one that deserves more attention.

[Greg Allan Holcomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure if this is the saddest GN ever, but it's close. This book hits you in the emotional part of the gut like Batman punches gunsels in the face. Feel the ache.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Batman: Night Cries is an one-shot comic published by DC Comics in 1992. The story is by Archie Goodwin and illustrated by Scott Hampton. When a series of crimes involving child abuse shocks the citizens of Gotham City, Batman and Commissioner Gordon embark on a quest to find the immoral perpetrator.

While investigating drug pushers, Bruce Wayne as Batman and Commissioner James Gordon notice a common trend in a series of murders involving child abuse, and the death of the children's parents. The two embark on a quest to find the serial killer, but Batman quickly finds himself accused of being the enraged vigilante who is killing the abusers. At the same time, Commissioner Gordon must come to terms with the abuse of his past.

Archie Goodwin penned the entire trade paperback. For the most part, it is written rather well. Goodwin narrative about child abuse is subtle and effective, looking at the fine line when over-protectiveness can become casual controlling violence, and in other cases move far beyond.

Scott Hampton penciled the entire trade paperback. Since he was the only penciler, the artistic flow of the trade paperback flowed exceptionally well. For the most part, Hampton's penciling depicts the narrative rather well. His meticulously painted artwork was done wonderfully.

All in all, Batman: Night Cries is a narrative about child abuse that was sensitively done through a Batman story.

[Michael Padilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the kind of story I’ve always wanted to read in a Batman book. Not necessarily the issue itself about child abuse but the idea of a serious topic done as dark as this.

First off, the artwork is amazing! It’s beautifully done in a haunting way with that paint aesthetic to it. There were moments reading this where I paused just to admire some of the panels and pages. So thank you to the artist Scott Hampton for creating such beautiful work.

The story itself was pretty intense. It’s a sensitive issue to see executed in this way. And sure at times it felt kind of preachy, but this topic is a serious one and if it connected to anyone reading it, then I guess, well, it’s justified. At times I felt the dialogue was a bit clunky but it didn’t hinder things all that much.

I really enjoyed this one. It’s does away with the villains we’ve all become accustomed to and shines a light on the darker things everyday ppl can do in Gotham. Highly recommend it

[Bryan Fischer · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I did quite enjoy the artwork (looked to be all hand painted) and the concept of the plot, I don’t think the story quite stuck the landing.
The plot was good for the most part, although it’s more of a Gordon story than Batman, but the ending made some leaps that you couldn’t have made on your own.
And again, while I did like the art for the most part, it was a bit dark and hard to make out sometimes.

[Christian Dark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Conceptually it’s really strong and the art is some of the best I’ve seen. This would’ve benefited tremendously from being a longer run, maybe 8 issues, especially to iron out the Doctor’s backstory.

[Gabriel d'Matos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice.

[Cristhian · Rating 4 out of 5]

...damn.

Definitivamente una de las historias más pesadas y oscuras de Batman.

[nia · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow.

[Vane ;) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Esta historia es MUY oscura y el arte hace que todo sea aún más perturbador, por ello, para mí, leerlo no fue experiencia muy grata.

Puede que sea una historia impresionante a nivel psicológico, pero estaba muy ocupada intentando terminarlo para no seguir leyendo esos temas. Así que...

[Zee · Rating 4 out of 5]

only recently i've discovered that graphic novels are becoming one of my favourite mediums for exploring difficult topics. it surprised me in many ways given the heavy subject matte - for a story written in the early 90s that deals with child abuse, ptsd, and the cycle of domestic violence, i can imagine this would have been risky and controversial to publish at the time. even now a story such as this would be scrutinised. scott hampton is one of my favourite comic artists, really love his painted work on dc vertigo and batman trading cards. really felt like his signature watercolour artwork is hauntingly perfect for this story: it's grungy, messy and expressive. i don't think night cries 'needed' clean art and it's a shame people don't understand why it works so well: abuse is an ugly, messy, and painful topic that people often don't want to confront. there's no reason to sugarcoat or make it appear 'nice', because that's not realistic. this is has definitely been one of my favourite batman reading experiences for sure.

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, eerie, and dark! I always appreciate Batman stories that have him focus on his detective work for the poor, minority, oppressed, etc. that the police and city officials ignore.

[Remxo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holds up pretty well for a Batman story 30+ years old, due in part to Hampton's amazing atmospheric painted art. Batman and Gordon work on a case involving child abuse. Not an obvious topic for a superhero comic, but it's handled well for its time and purpose I guess.
3.5 stars.

[Octavi · Rating 2 out of 5]

La ilustración es brutal, pero el guión deja mucho que desear. Un meh como una casa.

[Dyllan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm actually surprised at how mixed the reviews for this are. I guess I shouldn't be, considering how unique and controversial the project is.

Night Cries focused on the inescapable and devastating world of child abuse. I don't think there's any way to 100% adequately cover this topic. Let's also remember that this was published in '92... the same decade of MANY highly publicized sexual abuse and murder cases where the victims were demonized instead of believed. Abuse is one of those "taboo" subjects that many people don't want to confront. It's 2021 and we're still fighting for victims' rights.

I think Night Cries discussed child abuse as best as it could for the time. I mean, this a Batman comic. Most people don't pick up a super hero comic hoping to delve into a world plagued by sexual assault and PTSD. Thus, I believe it was somewhat of a risky undertaking of a project, but so rewarding for introducing some more darkness and reality into the Gotham universe. I've seen a lot of comments about the "after-school special vibe" because of Batman stating statistics at the end... Um.. maybe you should consider that behind those numbers are human beings. I felt that that's what this whole story was-- humanizing Gordon and humanizing both victims and villains. Real world villains aren't identifiable by clown makeup or question-marked garb. It's much more complicated and overwhelming when the large number of cases (or cries) are shoved in your face. Even if you help one or two children, there's scores more begging, praying, screaming.

Yes, I loved the artwork. I'm always looking for some "unique" comic artists. To again confront some critics, the watercolor style isn't "sloppy"; it's haunting. It's haunting just like the subject matter is haunting. Some wish they could just wash away their trauma and suffering, but they can't.

To wrap up, Night Cries is a great introductory point in a larger discussion of childhood trauma and PTSD. For a man whose entire existence is characterized by his own childhood trauma, this is very on brand, and worth a read (as well as more projects following/ improving upon its path).